Rihanna is finally expressing her love for Drake & it's about damn time

Michelle is a writer and actress based in New York City who eats, sleeps and breathes film and television. Her writing experience includes Bustle.com, Teen.com, and NYCastings.com. You can find her rushing to the movies to see the latest...

In wake of the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards, Rihanna and Drake may finally be the confirmed, public celebrity couple you always dreamed them to be. How? Well, after Drake very bluntly expressed his love for Rihanna when presenting her with the VMA's Michael Jackson Vanguard Award, RiRi just couldn't stay silent. And honestly, what's happening now feels like a full-on eruption of emotion from years past. Because Rihanna is finding all kinds of ways to prove her love for the rapper right back — even if she's still being as discreet as ever.

Aside from first taking the VMA stage and giving Drake a swoon-worthy thank you, now Rihanna is taking to Instagram to share a photo from the heartwarming night. Her Instagram post reflecting on the VMAs included the words, "your speech was so touching and I love you for that" directed toward Drake.

A video posted by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Sep 1, 2016 at 11:00pm PDT

And if you're still not convinced, that is really only the beginning. Yep, Rihanna has also found other ways to prove to the public that she's in love with Drake, despite how unconventional they may seem. Because even if Rihanna herself is still hesitant to make any direct posts, she's not holding back on her sly reactions to Drake's, with special thanks to one adorable stuffed shark.

Allow me to explain. First off, as you can see in Drake's post, there's a stuffed shark that seems to be butting in on their otherwise adorable couple-like pic. However, that's not the only appearance their new friend has made. In fact, it has now become clear that — despite being posted on Drake's Instagram — the shark does indeed belong to Rihanna. And well, she's not ashamed to take it with her when she goes out in public.

But the subtle hints don't even stop there. As the reveal for Rihanna's latest tattoo seemed to have sealed the deal. Yep, Rihanna got a tattoo of the stuffed camo shark she supposedly got from Drake. And at this point, that shark tattoo might as well be Drake's name. Because relationship tattoos are not something to be taken lightly.

So, Rihanna and Drake basically have a mascot. Could it get any cuter?! We'll just have to wait and see. But until they share more, I finally feel free to 'ship Rihanna and Drake so they can be the celebrity couple they were always meant to be. Seriously, bring on the combined red carpet appearances, the couple-y Instagram posts and the paparazzi photos of them walking hand-in-hand. The secrets pretty much out, Rihanna. Embrace your love just as much as we do.